What it's about: is a celebration of moms everywhere--and a book guaranteed to make readers think about motherhood in an entirely new way.

Why we should read it: Being a mom is a tough job--but imagine doing it in the jungle or out on the safari, faced by the ravages of the elements, a scarcity of resources and the threat of predators prowling at all times of the day and night. In Wild Moms, Dr. Carin Bondar takes readers on an enthralling tour of the animal kingdom as she explores the phenomenon of motherhood in the wild.

What it's about:molecular phylogenetics, which uses biopolymers (DNA, RNA, and proteins) to study the evolutionary history of organisms and determine relationships between species.

Contains: three "big surprises" that will make you rethink your understanding of evolution: the domain of Archaea, the process of horizontal gene transfer, and a probable ancestor of humans previously unknown to science.

What it's about: this book is the first full appreciation of the hawthorn's abundant connections with humanity.

Why we should read this book: In Hawthorn, Bill Vaughn examines the little-recognized political, cultural, and natural history of this ancient spiky plant. Used for thousands of years in the impenetrable living fences that defined the landscapes of Europe, the hawthorn eventually helped feed the class antagonism that led to widespread social upheaval.

What it's about: The renowned naturalist best known for her work with chimpanzees provides a tour of the secret world of plants, discussing the important role that they play in sustaining life on Earth.

Why we should read it: She shows us the secret world of plants with all their mysteries and potential for healing our bodies as well as Planet Earth.

Did you know? Trees have families and friends, memories, sophisticated communication systems, and even the ability to feel pain.

Why you might like it: Without sacrificing scientific accuracy, author Peter Wohlleben enchants readers with combination of lyrical vignettes and anecdotes about his experiences as a forester in Germany.